Ram Temple donation scandal triggers political crisis in Uttar Pradesh

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have opened a large‑scale investigation into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reported "blatant SOP violations" and recorded 70 theft incidents between late April and early June 2026. Police have arrested eight individuals linked to cash‑counting and recovered about ₹79.85 lakh during raids; several bank accounts and vehicles are under scrutiny. The temple’s long‑time general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra resigned on "moral grounds" amid the probe.

The scandal has sparked a fierce political battle. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai claimed he and other party leaders were detained and placed under house arrest while trying to visit the temple, accusing the BJP government of silencing dissent. His wife Rina Rai warned of a crackdown on Congress members. Opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party and BSP, have demanded a CBI probe, a Supreme Court‑monitored inquiry and greater transparency in the trust’s management. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has faced criticism for remaining silent, while the BJP argues that the investigation will be completed "as per the rule of law." Proposals to replace the trust’s administration with a CEO model have been debated, with the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Sant Samaj expressing divergent views. The Supreme Court declined an urgent hearing on a plea for a CBI probe, scheduling the case for later review. The controversy is expected to influence the upcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, where the Ram Temple remains a key BJP symbol.